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Originally Posted by sonflowerjoela
Ok got the test kit:
ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite:0ppm
Nirtrates: 40ppm
PH: 7.4 on high range and 7.6 on ph
So ...

Ok got the test kit:
ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite:0ppm
Nirtrates: 40ppm
PH: 7.4 on high range and 7.6 on ph
So what are the possibilities???

First on the nitrates, that seems high but probably isn't. This is the API kit, so Regent #2 has to be shaken well for 2 minutes. I believe the instructions say 30 seconds [mine do] and this can cause a faulty and usually high reading. Retest nitrate (shaking #2 for 2 minutes) and see.

On fish, those you listed in post #28 should be fine. You have soft water, and the pH will acidify as the tank matures. How much and how fast I can't say, every tank is different, and that depends upon the KH (Alkalinity) which we don't know. It has no effect on fish whatsoever, but it does act as a buffer on pH. When you've decided on specific species, post. Most will manage now, and as the water acidifies even better.

First on the nitrates, that seems high but probably isn't. This is the API kit, so Regent #2 has to be shaken well for 2 minutes. I believe the instructions say 30 seconds [mine do] and this can cause a faulty and usually high reading. Retest nitrate (shaking #2 for 2 minutes) and see.

On fish, those you listed in post #28 should be fine. You have soft water, and the pH will acidify as the tank matures. How much and how fast I can't say, every tank is different, and that depends upon the KH (Alkalinity) which we don't know. It has no effect on fish whatsoever, but it does act as a buffer on pH. When you've decided on specific species, post. Most will manage now, and as the water acidifies even better.

Thank you Byron. I'm going to clean tank again tonight.I plan on doing 25% at least once a week. I will re-test afterwards. I'd really like more tetras and rainbows. I'm not so sure about clown loaches now, the profile says they get to 12 inches, and need 6 foot aquarium, and are happiest in group of 5 or 6. I only got two and have a 72 gallon tank, would they be ok if I only get 1 more of them? Also wanted to add that I have a million or more snails from when I tried doing the live plants thing. Owner of LFS said they eat snails
Also would like to know what you think of 1 angelfish and a pearl gourami in tank?

Thank you Byron. I'm going to clean tank again tonight.I plan on doing 25% at least once a week. I will re-test afterwards. I'd really like more tetras and rainbows. I'm not so sure about clown loaches now, the profile says they get to 12 inches, and need 6 foot aquarium, and are happiest in group of 5 or 6. I only got two and have a 72 gallon tank, would they be ok if I only get 1 more of them? Also wanted to add that I have a million or more snails from when I tried doing the live plants thing. Owner of LFS said they eat snails
Also would like to know what you think of 1 angelfish and a pearl gourami in tank?

I'll post test results once I've cleaned the tank tonight?
J

Loaches are highly social fish. Groups are mandatory if they are to be "happy" and that equates to healthy. I would say no less than 5, and while five 2-inch clowns will manage in a 4-foot tank for a time, they must have the space soon to develop properly. If you don't have a 6-foot tank now, I would return the two rather than get more on the off-chance a larger suitable tank may be in the future. There are some smaller species, attaining 4-5 inches max, and a group of five or six in a 4-foot tank can be entertaining. I have a group of Botia kubotai in my 90g, and they are a constant source of interest. They must have lots of wood chunks with caves or tunnels, and more than their number; they like to select their own individual "home." This applies to all loaches. There are also a coule of "dwarf" species, in the profiles.

As for snails, depends upon type. Loaches in general like snails, some species more than others. Never buy fish to deal with a "problem" if this is what you consider snails. I view snails as an essential part of a healthy environment. They get into places we never could, especially the small ones like Malaysian Livebearing that burrow through the substrate doing all sorts of good things. Pond snails are another good snail. I have hundreds of the MLS in my tanks.

Angelfish are also shoaling fish; a group of 5+ in a 4-foot or larger tank. Or a mated pair if breeding is your intention in a smaller (30g and up) tank. More in our profile.

Gourami should not be combined with angelfish; males of both are territorial. A group of a gourami species consisting of one male and 2-3 females will usually work in a 4-foot tank. A single gourami is fine, provided tankmates are suitable. Some tetra, danio and barb will nip gourami and angelfish fins mercilessly.

Loaches are highly social fish. Groups are mandatory if they are to be "happy" and that equates to healthy. I would say no less than 5, and while five 2-inch clowns will manage in a 4-foot tank for a time, they must have the space soon to develop properly. If you don't have a 6-foot tank now, I would return the two rather than get more on the off-chance a larger suitable tank may be in the future. There are some smaller species, attaining 4-5 inches max, and a group of five or six in a 4-foot tank can be entertaining. I have a group of Botia kubotai in my 90g, and they are a constant source of interest. They must have lots of wood chunks with caves or tunnels, and more than their number; they like to select their own individual "home." This applies to all loaches. There are also a coule of "dwarf" species, in the profiles.

As for snails, depends upon type. Loaches in general like snails, some species more than others. Never buy fish to deal with a "problem" if this is what you consider snails. I view snails as an essential part of a healthy environment. They get into places we never could, especially the small ones like Malaysian Livebearing that burrow through the substrate doing all sorts of good things. Pond snails are another good snail. I have hundreds of the MLS in my tanks.

Angelfish are also shoaling fish; a group of 5+ in a 4-foot or larger tank. Or a mated pair if breeding is your intention in a smaller (30g and up) tank. More in our profile.

Gourami should not be combined with angelfish; males of both are territorial. A group of a gourami species consisting of one male and 2-3 females will usually work in a 4-foot tank. A single gourami is fine, provided tankmates are suitable. Some tetra, danio and barb will nip gourami and angelfish fins mercilessly.

I didn't even know they had Dwarf Loachs...1.5-2.5 inches that's more doable for a smaller tank :) If I wasn't having stocking issues I'd consider some myself.

Loaches are highly social fish. Groups are mandatory if they are to be "happy" and that equates to healthy. I would say no less than 5, and while five 2-inch clowns will manage in a 4-foot tank for a time, they must have the space soon to develop properly. If you don't have a 6-foot tank now, I would return the two rather than get more on the off-chance a larger suitable tank may be in the future. There are some smaller species, attaining 4-5 inches max, and a group of five or six in a 4-foot tank can be entertaining. I have a group of Botia kubotai in my 90g, and they are a constant source of interest. They must have lots of wood chunks with caves or tunnels, and more than their number; they like to select their own individual "home." This applies to all loaches. There are also a coule of "dwarf" species, in the profiles.

As for snails, depends upon type. Loaches in general like snails, some species more than others. Never buy fish to deal with a "problem" if this is what you consider snails. I view snails as an essential part of a healthy environment. They get into places we never could, especially the small ones like Malaysian Livebearing that burrow through the substrate doing all sorts of good things. Pond snails are another good snail. I have hundreds of the MLS in my tanks.

Angelfish are also shoaling fish; a group of 5+ in a 4-foot or larger tank. Or a mated pair if breeding is your intention in a smaller (30g and up) tank. More in our profile.

Gourami should not be combined with angelfish; males of both are territorial. A group of a gourami species consisting of one male and 2-3 females will usually work in a 4-foot tank. A single gourami is fine, provided tankmates are suitable. Some tetra, danio and barb will nip gourami and angelfish fins mercilessly.

Ok thanks for info. I'm not sure what kind of snails they are they came from live plants. I will see if I can find out what they are. If they are good I will just let them be.
I will find out if I can return the clown loaches. I love Botia kubotai you linked to, they are too cute.
I will have to do more research on other fish. I don't want to breed angels, been there done that. I just think they are pretty and don't want the disruption of a possible pair. I will look into gouramis.
Thank you again!!!!

Melanoides tuberculata or Malaysian Livebearing (or Trumpet) Snails, burrow throughout the substrate like nothing else can. Great at breaking down organics (waste) into smaller bits more easily handled by the bacteria, and preventing compaction of the substrate.

I have so many hundreds of these I couldn't begin to count them. I'm happy to see them.

On the various fish, remember our profiles, most of the commonly-available fish are included.

Melanoides tuberculata or Malaysian Livebearing (or Trumpet) Snails, burrow throughout the substrate like nothing else can. Great at breaking down organics (waste) into smaller bits more easily handled by the bacteria, and preventing compaction of the substrate.

I have so many hundreds of these I couldn't begin to count them. I'm happy to see them.

On the various fish, remember our profiles, most of the commonly-available fish are included.

Thank you Byron!!!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your help.
I'll try to stop wearing you out now!
Have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, I caved and bought the API GH & KH kit. I just had to know for sure. I just don't understand for sure what results are: on GH I had to use 5 drops before water turned from orange to green so is that 89.5 ppm? The KH was was 4 drops to turn from blue to yellow so that is 71.6. So what does that mean. This was tested from my tap water not my tank.
Thanks
J

went back and read article referred to in earlier post so think it means my water is 4 - 8 dGH 70 - 140 ppm soft